Hi Sarah, First of all, please don't rule out vets. They can be very important to our little guys in reference to diagnosis and perscribing appropriate medication. One bad experience should scare you away. Gerbils often react oddly to stressful situations, such as a trip in the car.
As for the lack of weight. If we rule out a health issue - is it possible that the other female is more dominant and not allowing her to eat or taking most of the food? You may want to try using a bowl so you can see what is being eaten and what is not. Maybe give the thinner one some higher protein treats - handfeed sunflower, some cat or dog kibble, maybe a mealworm. If she continues to lose weight, she needs a vet. Jeannine ---------- Leenknegt-Lioen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: Leenknegt-Lioen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Weight problem Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2001 20:23:45 +0200 Hi, I noticed one of my gerbils was a bit slim, so I decided to weight all the gerbils to see if there was a problem: *Daedalus and Icarus, both male, 10-11 months both 85 grams *Scully and Mulder, female and male, 1 year, 7 months both 75 grams *Hermione and Ginny (the one I was worried about), both female, 1 year Hermione = 74 grams, Ginny = 63 grams!! So I fear there is indeed a problem, though I can't see what it is. All six get the same home-made diet, same amounts at the same time, proteins: 12,5 % , fat: 5% The others seem to do well on the diet, or is their weight not healthy either? Only Scully and Mulder get their food in a bowl (they are in a cage), with the others, I just put it on their bedding (they are in a tank). I feed at the time I see Scully and Mulders bowl is (about) empty. They all get some sunflowerseeds every now and then. They regularly get fresh water. Ginny behaves healthy, is curious, active, affectionate, though her coat doesn't look very shiny. Does anyone have advice, ideas to share? I'd rather work this out meself, than to go to the vet. First and last time I took two gerbs to the vet, they almost died in the car, at least it looked to me like they did. I don't want to put them through that if it isn't absolutely necessary. (And I'd have problems convincing my parents!) Thanks for any help, I really apreciate it! Sarah
